lurid etymology

Etymology

The word "lurid" is derived from the Latin word "luridus," meaning "pale yellow" or "sallow." It is related to the Latin word "lucere," meaning "to shine," and likely originated from the observation that certain plants or objects, such as mushrooms, would turn a pale yellow color when they were about to decompose.

Meaning

1. Unpleasantly bright or glaring: "The lurid flames of the bonfire lit up the night sky."

2. Grotesque or gruesome: "The film was full of lurid violence and gore."

3. Morally corrupt or depraved: "He was involved in a lurid affair that threatened to ruin his career."

Origin

The word "lurid" first entered the English language in the 16th century, and its meaning has gradually evolved over time. Initially, it primarily referred to the pale yellow color of certain objects. However, by the 18th century, it began to be used figuratively to describe things that were shocking, unpleasant, or morally reprehensible.

Usage

Today, "lurid" is often used in a negative sense to describe something that is overly sensationalistic, grotesque, or morally questionable. It can be applied to a wide range of subjects, including literature, film, artwork, and behavior.

Examples

• "The novel was full of lurid descriptions of violence and depravity."
• "The tabloid newspaper printed a lurid article about the celebrity's private life."
• "His lurid sense of humor offended many of his colleagues."

lurid relate terms

• Chloe

  Etymology Greek Χλόη Khlóē meaning green shoot or young green plant Mea

• livid

  Etymology The word livid comes from the Latin lividus which means bluish or lead

• shocking

  Etymology Middle English schocken shoken Old English scocian verb Proto Germanic

• repent

  Etymology From Middle English repenten from Late Latin repentīre to regret repent

• mortgage

  Etymology The word mortgage derives from the Old French word mort meaning death a

• precipitation

  Etymology precipitare Latin to fall rush down prae Latin prefix before down

• fringe

  Etymology The word fringe comes from the Middle English word fringe which in turn d

• felon

  Etymology The word felon originates from the Old French word felon which ultimately

• survey

  Etymology French survoir to look over oversee Meaning A method of gathering

• creature

  Etymology The word creature is derived from the Old French word creature which in tu

• sublime

  Etymology The word sublime is derived from the Latin word sublimis which means loft